GRACE MARGARET PASS

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GRACE MARGARET PASS February 20, 1927 October 19, 2006 Tragedy struck early when her mother was killed in a car accident, which Grace survived. Her father was subsequently hospitalized due to complications of being gassed in the First World War and Grace was raised by her aunt and uncle Hector and Margaret McMillan. Grace was a devoted mother and wife and is survived by her husband (1999) George Arthur Utesch; children, Janice Pass (Robert Fuller) in Vancouver and Gary Pass (Janis Sloan) in Calgary, as well as her grandchildren, Craig Pass and Lauren Csada (Kevin) of Calgary and Laurie Mandryk (David Willis) in Vancouver. She was predeceased by her parents Walter and Olive Keenan; aunt and uncle Margaret and Hector McMillan; cousin Margaret, and in-laws Herbert and Lily Pass. Grace attended Daniel McIntire and Success Business College and enjoyed playing tennis which led to meeting her first husband Derrick who passed away in 1995. Grace and Derrick were only children so their closest friends were enlisted to be aunts and uncles, Walt and Dean (deceased) Campbell, Bill and Ethel Clarke and Nell and Bill Hicks, and their children were cousins . As a stay at home mother she re-entered the work force in the 1960's with Office Overload and was hired as a receptionist by Kingsway Transport where she made many friends over the 20 years of her employment there. Grace and the family spent many enjoyable summers at their cottage at Whytewold Beach, which remains in the family where she also made lifelong friends. In the 1970's Grace enrolled at the University of Winnipeg taking one course a year at night school. One of her proudest moments was graduating in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In her 60's she began training to enter a marathon with her son and grandchildren and placed first in her gender and age category. Grace lived life enthusiastically and profoundly influenced her family and friends and many casual acquaintances. Her contagious laugh was legendary. She loved and was loved greatly by all who had the privilege of knowing her. This picture was taken in August this summer on the pier at Whytewold one of her favourite places on earth. Her illness came on suddenly and she suffered very little at the end and passed away peacefully with a smile on her face. We will forever be grateful to Dr. Garry Krepart and his brilliant team for their excellent skill and compassionate care as well as the wonderful nurses and aides on the fifth floor at the Women's Centre. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 24 in the Buntain Chapel at Calvary Temple, 400 Hargrave. There will be another private service at a later date with her friends of Eckankar. In lieu of flowers donations in her memory can be made to the Women's Health Centre, 735 Notre Dame Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3E 0L8 Arrangements entrusted to: VOYAGE FUNERAL HOME CREMATORIUM FAMILY OWNED OPERATED 220 Hespeler Ave @ Henderson Hwy 668-3151

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 21, 2006